Nonadiabatic Coupling Effects in the 800 nm Strong-Field Ionization-Induced Coulomb Explosion of Methyl Iodide Revealed by Multimass Velocity Map Imaging and Ab Initio Simulation Studies

The Coulomb explosion (CE) of jet-cooled CH₃I molecules using ultrashort (40 fs), nonresonant 805 nm strong-field ionization at three peak intensities (260, 650, and 1300 TW cm^-2) has been investigated by multimass velocity map imaging, revealing an array of discernible fragment ions, that is, I^q+ (q ≤ 6), CH_n⁺ (n = 0-3), CH_n²⁺ (n = 0, 2), C³⁺, H⁺, H₂⁺, and H₃⁺. Complementary ab initio trajectory calculations of the CE of CH₃I^Z+ cations with Z ≤ 14 identify a range of behaviors. The CE of parent cations with Z = 2 and 3 can be well-described using a diatomic-like representation (as found previously) but the CE dynamics of all higher CH₃I^Z+ cations require a multidimensional description. The ab initio predicted I^q+ (q ≥ 3) fragment ion velocities are all at the high end of the velocity distributions measured for the corresponding I^q+ products. These mismatches are proposed as providing some of the clearest insights yet into the roles of nonadiabatic effects (and intramolecular charge transfer) in the CE of highly charged molecular cations.

A historical overview of legislated alcohol policy in the Northern Territory of Australia: 1979-2021

BACKGROUND

The Northern Territory (NT) has the highest levels of alcohol consumption and harms in Australia. Since the creation of the NT Liquor Act 1978, which came into effect in 1979, numerous legislated alcohol policies have been introduced to attempt to address these harms. We present a narrative historical overview of alcohol policies implemented in the NT from 1979 to 2021.

METHODS

Using scoping review methodology, databases were searched from 1979 to 2021. Of 506 articles screened, 34 met inclusion criteria. Reference lists of all included articles were searched, resulting in the inclusion of another 41 articles and reports, totalling 75 final documents. Policies were organised using Babor and colleagues (2010) established framework: 1. pricing/ taxation; 2. regulating physical availability; 3. modifying drinking environments; 4. drink-driving countermeasures; 5. restrictions on marketing; 6. education/persuasion; 7. treatment/early intervention.

RESULTS

Two pricing/taxation policies have been implemented, Living With Alcohol (LWA) and Minimum Unit Price, both demonstrating evidence of positive effects on health and consumption outcomes. Eight policies approaches have focused on regulating physical availability, implemented at both individual and local area levels. Several of these policies have varied by location and been amended over time. There is some evidence demonstrating reduction in harms attributable to Liquor Supply Plans, localised restrictions, and General Restricted Areas, although these have been site specific. Of the three policies which targeted modifying the drinking environment; one was evaluated, finding a relocation of social harms, rather than a reduction. The literature outlines a range of controversies, particularly regarding policies in domain 2-3, including racial discrimination and a lack of policy stability. No policies relating to restricting marketing or education/persuasion programs were found. The only drink-driving legislated policy was considered to have contributed to the success of the LWA program. Three policies relating to treatment were described; two were not evaluated and evidence showed no ongoing benefits of Alcohol Mandatory Treatment.

DISCUSSION

The NT has implemented a large number of alcohol policies, several of which have evidence of positive effects. However, these policies have often existed in a context of clear politicisation of alcohol policy, frequently with an implicit focus on Aboriginal people's consumption.

Embedding Usage Sensors in Point-of-Use Water Treatment Devices: Sensor Design and Application in Limpopo, South Africa

Health benefits from point-of-use (POU) water treatment devices come only with consistent use. Embedded sensors can measure the consistency of POU-device use and can provide insights about improving it. We demonstrate both potentials with data from SmartSpouts: accelerometer-based sensors embedded in spigot handles that record the duration and timing of use. In the laboratory, most sensor readings correlated well (>0.98) with manually timed water withdrawals. In the field, SmartSpouts measured >60,000 water withdrawals across 232 households in Limpopo, South Africa. Sensors proved critical to understanding consistent use; surveys overestimated it by 53 percentage points. Sensor data showed when households use POU devices (evening peaks and delayed weekend routines) and user preferences (safe storage over filters). We demonstrate analytically and with data that (i) consistent use (e.g., 7 continuous days) is extremely sensitive to single-day use prevalence and (ii) use prevalence affects the performance of contact-time-based POU devices, exemplified with silver tablets. Deployed SmartSpouts had limitations, including memory overflows and confounding device relocation with water withdrawal. Nevertheless, SmartSpouts provided useful and objective data on the prevalence of single-day and consistent use. Considerably less expensive than alternatives, SmartSpouts enable an order of magnitude increase in how many POU-device sensors can be deployed.

Understanding the Nexus between Alcohol Consumption, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, and higher Education Outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Males in Australia

Education is a critical social determinant of health, particularly in the context of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander health and well-being. There is also a broad array of other health risk factors that intersect with these social and cultural determinants of health. Overall, an in-depth examination of the complex health–education nexus is needed. This paper provides a commentary on interrelationships between health risk factors, their impact on education trajectories, and their implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males.

Imaging and Modeling C2 Radical Emissions from Microwave Plasma-Activated Methane/Hydrogen Gas Mixtures: Contributions from Chemiluminescent Reactions and Investigations of Higher-Pressure Effects and Plasma Constriction

Wavelength and spatially resolved imaging and 2D plasma chemical modeling methods have been used to study the emission from electronically excited C₂ radicals in microwave-activated dilute methane/hydrogen gas mixtures under processing conditions relevant to the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of diamond. Obvious differences in the spatial distributions of the much-studied C₂(d³Π_g-a³Π_u) Swan band emission and the little-studied, higher-energy C₂(C¹Π_g-A¹Π_u) emission are rationalized by invoking a chemiluminescent (CL) reactive source, most probably involving collisions between H atoms and C₂H radicals, that acts in tandem with the widely recognized electron impact excitation source term. The CL source is relatively much more important for forming C₂(d) state radicals and is deduced to account for >40% of C₂(d) production in the hot plasma core under base operating conditions, which should encourage caution when estimating electron or gas temperatures from C₂ Swan band emission measurements. Studies at higher pressures (p ≈ 400 Torr) offer new insights into the plasma constriction that hampers efforts to achieve higher diamond CVD rates by using higher processing pressures. Plasma constriction is proposed as being inevitable in regions where the local electron density (n_e) exceeds some critical value (n_ec) and electron-electron collisions enhance the rates of H₂ dissociation, H-atom excitation, and related associative ionization processes relative to those prevailing in the neighboring nonconstricted plasma region. The 2D modeling identifies a further challenge to high-p operation. The radial uniformities of the CH₃ radical and H-atom concentrations above the growing diamond surface both decline with increasing p, which are likely to manifest as less spatially uniform diamond growth (in terms of both rate and quality).

Hyperinsulinemia blunts sympathetic vasoconstriction: a possible role of β-adrenergic activation

Herein we report in a sample of healthy young men (n = 14) and women (n = 12) that hyperinsulinemia induces time-dependent decreases in total peripheral resistance and its contribution to the maintenance of blood pressure. In the same participants, we observe profound vasodilatory effects of insulin in the lower limb despite concomitant activation of the sympathetic nervous system. We hypothesized that this prominent peripheral vasodilation is possibly due to the ability of the leg vasculature to escape sympathetic vasoconstriction during systemic insulin stimulation. Consistent with this notion, we demonstrate in a subset of healthy men (n = 9) and women (n = 7) that systemic infusion of insulin blunts sympathetically mediated leg vasoconstriction evoked by a cold pressor test, a well-established sympathoexcitatory stimulus. Further substantiating this observation, we show in mouse aortic rings that insulin exposure suppresses epinephrine and norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction. Notably, we found that such insulin-suppressing effects on catecholamine-induced constriction are diminished following β-adrenergic receptor blockade. In accordance, we also reveal that insulin augments β-adrenergic-mediated vasorelaxation in isolated arteries. Collectively, these findings support the idea that sympathetic vasoconstriction can be attenuated during systemic hyperinsulinemia in the leg vasculature of both men and women and that this phenomenon may be in part mediated by potentiation of β-adrenergic vasodilation neutralizing α-adrenergic vasoconstriction.

The case for an academic discipline of medical device science

Medical devices are a very important but largely under-recognized and fragmented component of healthcare.The limited regulation of the past and the lack of systematic rigorous evaluation of devices leading to numerous high-profile failures will now be replaced by stricter legal requirements and more transparent evaluation processes.This constitutes an unprecedented opportunity, but it also uncovers urgent needs in landscaping, methodology development, and independent comprehensive assessment of device risks and benefits for individual patients and society, especially in the context of increasingly complex devices.We argue that an academic discipline of 'medical device science' is well placed to lead and coordinate the efforts necessary to achieve much needed improvement in the medical device sector.Orthopaedics and traumatology could contribute and benefit considerably as one of the medical specialties with the highest use of medical devices. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:160-163. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200094.

Novel DNA methylation signatures of tobacco smoking with trans-ethnic effects

BACKGROUND

Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of death. Smoking leaves a strong signature on the blood methylome as shown in multiple studies using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Here, we explore novel blood methylation smoking signals on the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip (EPIC) array, which also targets novel CpG-sites in enhancers.

METHOD

A smoking-methylation meta-analysis was carried out using EPIC DNA methylation profiles in 1407 blood samples from four UK population-based cohorts, including the MRC National Survey for Health and Development (NSHD) or 1946 British birth cohort, the National Child Development Study (NCDS) or 1958 birth cohort, the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70), and the TwinsUK cohort (TwinsUK). The overall discovery sample included 269 current, 497 former, and 643 never smokers. Replication was pursued in 3425 trans-ethnic samples, including 2325 American Indian individuals participating in the Strong Heart Study (SHS) in 1989-1991 and 1100 African-American participants in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy Study (GENOA).

RESULTS

Altogether 952 CpG-sites in 500 genes were differentially methylated between smokers and never smokers after Bonferroni correction. There were 526 novel smoking-associated CpG-sites only profiled by the EPIC array, of which 486 (92%) replicated in a meta-analysis of the American Indian and African-American samples. Novel CpG sites mapped both to genes containing previously identified smoking-methylation signals and to 80 novel genes not previously linked to smoking, with the strongest novel signal in SLAMF7. Comparison of former versus never smokers identified that 37 of these sites were persistently differentially methylated after cessation, where 16 represented novel signals only profiled by the EPIC array. We observed a depletion of smoking-associated signals in CpG islands and an enrichment in enhancer regions, consistent with previous results.

CONCLUSION

This study identified novel smoking-associated signals as possible biomarkers of exposure to smoking and may help improve our understanding of smoking-related disease risk.

Printability and mechanical performance of biomedical PDMS-PEEK composites developed for material extrusion

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) materials are widely adopted in the manufacture of facial prostheses, lab-on-chip devices and scaffolds for soft-tissue engineering applications; however, their processing by additive manufacturing (AM) has proved challenging. Liquid silicone rubbers (LSRs) are favoured for their high shape fidelity when cast, but their low viscosity and surface tension often prevent self-support, post-extrusion. Poly(ether) ether ketone (PEEK) particle reinforcement through interfacial bonding has proven to enhance key properties of PDMS, expanding their end-use functionality. Still, the impact of such particles on the printability of LSR-PDMS is not explored. In this study, for the first time, solvent-free biocompatible PDMS-PEEK composites (up to 30 wt% PEEK) were successfully characterised for material extrusion (ME) printing. Rheological analysis confirmed shear-thinning of all PDMS-PEEK composites under applied load (within the tolerances of the printer) and dominant storage moduli at rest (i.e. prints can self-support), considered highly desirable for ME-based printing. Attained rheological datasets were used to guide initial printability studies, which revealed finer track fidelity with rising fractional content of PEEK, at comparable print speed and displacement values. Composites with higher PEEK content demonstrated significant increases in Shore A hardness and stiffness (in tension and compression) in bulk form. Last but not least, enhanced shape fidelity (thanks to PEEK reinforcement) and geometrical autonomy further expanded the manufacturing freedom of PDMS, whereby infill density could be controlled in order to increase the range of mechanical performance, previously unachievable with conventional casting fabrication. Fundamentally, this could lead to the manufacture of bespoke spatially graded multi-material structures and devices that could be used to replicate the heterogenous properties of soft human tissues and in other advanced material applications.

Reducing health inequities facing boys and young men of colour in the United States

Health promotion research and practice consistently reveals that people of colour in the USA face multiple structural and systemic health and social inequities as a direct consequence of racism and discrimination. Recent scholarship on equity and men's health has highlighted the importance of gender-specifically concepts relating to masculinities and manhood-to better understand the inequities experienced by men of colour. A sharper focus on the intersection between race, gender and life stage has also emphasized the importance of early intervention when addressing inequities experienced by boys and young men of colour (BYMOC). This has led to an expansion of health promotion interventions targeting BYMOC across the USA over the past decade. Many of these health promotion strategies have attempted to reduce inequities through action on the social determinants of health, particularly those that intersect with education and justice systems. Reflecting on these developments, this commentary aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the health promotion community when attempting to reduce health and social inequities experienced by BYMOC. In doing so, the solutions we identify include: strengthening the evidence base about effective health promotion interventions; reducing system fragmentation; promoting connectivity through networks, alliances and partnerships; reducing tensions between collaboration and competition; changing the narrative associated with BYMOC; acknowledging both inclusiveness and diversity; addressing racism and intergenerational trauma; and committing to a national boys and men's health policy. We encourage health promotion researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to adopt these solutions for the benefit of BYMOC in the USA.

Tracking denitrification in green stormwater infrastructure with dual nitrate stable isotopes

Strategies to mitigate watershed nitrogen export are critical in managing water resources. Green infrastructure (GI) has shown the ability to remove nitrogen from stormwater, but the removal mechanism is unclear. Denitrification removes nitrate from water permanently, making it the most desirable removal mechanism. The year-round field performance of a roadside infiltration GI practice (bioretention) in Northern Virginia was monitored to investigate the transport of nitrogen and the occurrence and contribution of denitrification. Stormwater runoff volumes, nitrogen concentrations, and nitrate isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N-NO₃^- and δ¹⁸O-NO₃^-) were measured at the inlet and outlet of the bioretention during 24 storm events over 14 months. Nitrate concentration reductions (inlet vs. outlet) displayed seasonal trends, with higher reductions happening during warmer events and lower reductions or increases occurring during colder events. Cumulative bioretention nitrate and total dissolved nitrogen load reductions were 73% and 70%, respectively. Two out of 24 monitored events displayed denitrification isotope trends, indicating that although bioretention has denitrification potential, it is infrequent and other nitrogen removal mechanisms (i.e. infiltration and plant uptake) are primarily responsible for nitrogen surface effluent reductions. Only approximately 1.4% of the total reduced nitrate surface effluent load over the monitoring period was attributable to denitrification. Denitrification occurred during two of the largest monitored events, suggesting increased hydraulic retention time (HRT) promotes denitrification. Future GI designs should consider increasing HRT to encourage the important ecosystem service denitrification provides.

Impact of Low-Cost Point-of-Use Water Treatment Technologies on Enteric Infections and Growth among Children in Limpopo, South Africa

Enteric infections early in life have been associated with poor linear growth among children in low-resource settings. Point-of-use water treatment technologies provide effective and low-cost solutions to reduce exposure to enteropathogens from drinking water, but it is unknown whether the use of these technologies translates to improvements in child growth. We conducted a community-based randomized controlled trial of two water treatment technologies to estimate their effects on child growth in Limpopo, South Africa. We randomized 404 households with a child younger than 3 years to receive a silver-impregnated ceramic water filter, a silver-impregnated ceramic tablet, a safe-storage water container alone, or no intervention, and these households were followed up quarterly for 2 years. We estimated the effects of the interventions on linear and ponderal growth, enteric infections assessed by quantitative molecular diagnostics, and diarrhea prevalence. The silver-impregnated ceramic water filters and tablets consistently achieved approximately 1.2 and 3 log reductions, respectively, in total coliform bacteria in drinking water samples. However, the filters and tablets were not associated with differences in height (height-for-age z-score differences compared with no intervention: 0.06, 95% CI: −0.29, 0.40, and 0.00, 95% CI: −0.35, 0.35, respectively). There were also no effects of the interventions on weight, diarrhea prevalence, or enteric infections. Despite their effectiveness in treating drinking water, the use of the silver-impregnated ceramic water filters and tablets did not reduce enteric infections or improve child growth. More transformative water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions that better prevent enteric infections are likely needed to improve long-term child growth outcomes.

Seasonality of drinking water sources and the impact of drinking water source on enteric infections among children in Limpopo, South Africa

Enteric infections and water-related illnesses are more frequent during times of relative water abundance, especially in regions that experience bimodal rainfall patterns. However, it is unclear how seasonal changes in water availability and drinking water source types affect enteric infections in young children. This study investigated seasonal shifts in primary drinking water source type and the effect of water source type on enteric pathogen prevalence in stool samples from 404 children below age 5 in rural communities in Limpopo Province, South Africa. From wet to dry season, 4.6% (n = 16) of households switched from a source with a higher risk of contamination to a source with lower risk, with the majority switching to municipal water during the dry season. In contrast, 2.6% (n = 9) of households switched from a source with a lower risk of contamination to a source with higher risk. 74.5% (n = 301) of the total households experienced interruptions in their water supply, regardless of source type. There were no significant differences in enteric pathogen prevalence between drinking water sources. Intermittent municipal water distribution and household water use and storage practices may have a larger impact on enteric infections than water source type. The limited differences in enteric pathogen prevalence in children by water source could also be due to other exposure pathways in addition to drinking water, for example through direct contact and food-borne transmission.

Industry views about the Banned Drinker Register in the Northern Territory: Early lessons from a qualitative evaluation

Introduction and Aims

The Northern Territory Government has recently planned and implemented an extensive suite of alcohol harm minimisation policies, including the reintroduction of the Banned Drinker Register (BDR). It is an explicit alcohol supply reduction measure that places persons who consume alcohol at harmful levels onto a register, prohibiting the purchase of alcohol from take‐away liquor outlets. This paper explores industry stakeholders' perspectives regarding the extent to which the BDR is meeting its objectives to improve community health and safety by reducing alcohol‐related harms.

Design and Methods

Interviews and one focus group were conducted with 66 alcohol industry stakeholders from urban and remote locations. Focusing on outcomes both central (crime and safety) and peripheral (health and therapeutic support) to the stakeholders' interest, the authors used inductive thematic analysis to examine participants' perceptions about the effectiveness of the BDR.

Results

Analysis revealed mixed views about the effectiveness of the BDR. There is a tension between the objective to address public amenity and decrease crime, as expressed by the participants, compared to the health‐focused approach to therapeutic services and referrals identified in other sources.

Discussion and Conclusions

Drawing on these findings, alongside other relevant sources, the authors argue there is a need for a more effective communication strategy to the public and professional community to enhance the capacity of the BDR to meet its goals. The authors recognise the limitations of alcohol industry stakeholder views and identify the need for a comprehensive evaluation approach that includes multiple stakeholder perspectives.